Estimate your return on investment

A well-done insulation job can reduce your heating and cooling bills by 20%, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

To calculate how long it will take your insulation project to pay off, you’ll need to estimate the part of your utility bills attributable to heating and cooling for the last year, then calculate 20% of that total. So if you spend $2,000 a year on heating and cooling, your insulation project could save you $400 per year.

If you spend $1,600 to upgrade your home’s insulation, your investment will start to pay off after four years ($1,600 divided by $400).

A well-insulated home can also pay off if you decide to sell one day because a home that is more comfortable and has lower energy bills will be more attractive to potential buyers.